The VRS R295 is a good wheel — but the sim racing market has evolved rapidly, and that makes things more complicated.
It brings a lot to the table: dual thumb encoders, SimHub-compatible RGB lighting, an ergonomic and versatile layout, and a lightweight, but sturdy design that’s comfortable to drive with over long sessions. Paired with a VRS wheelbase, it’s a clean, well-integrated package. A USB hub to support third-party bases is in development, but at the time of this review, it’s not yet available — so compatibility is currently limited to the VRS ecosystem.
What makes the R295 harder to place is how the landscape has shifted around it. VRS’s own Formula wheel — with a more premium construction — has come down in price significantly, and competitors like the Simagic GT Neo are bringing high-end features and feel to the same price bracket. That doesn’t make the R295 a bad product — just one that faces tougher competition than it might have a year ago.
It’s well thought-out, pleasant to use, and functionally solid — but in today’s market, is that enough?
VRS R295 Ratings
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VALUE: 7/10
A solid offering with tough competition
At the time of this review, the VRS R295 is priced at $349 USD. That places it just below the $399 USD VRS Formula Steering Wheel — which offers a more premium build for only a modest price increase. The R295, in contrast, includes RGB lighting and SimHub integration, which the Formula wheel lacks.
It’s a trade-off between material refinement and input complexity. On its own, the R295 still represents fair value for the features it offers, but the narrow price gap between it and more premium alternatives — including within VRS’s own lineup — makes its position in the market more difficult to justify than it might’ve been a year ago.
Features: 7/10
- 295mm GT-style wheel diameter
- SimHub-compatible RGB lighting (rev strip, flag LEDs, button backlights, encoder surrounds)
- 3x configurable rotary encoders (pulse, latched, positional modes with adjustable timing)
- 4x thumb encoders
- 10x RGB backlit face buttons
- Hall effect paddle shifters with adjustable activation and hysteresis points
- Integrated VRS quick release (requires VRS base; USB hub for third-party bases in development)
Build Quality: 7/10
Solid execution with cost-conscious materials
The R295 is structurally sound and thoughtfully built. At its core is a 5mm thick aluminium faceplate that gives the wheel excellent rigidity, and cast aluminium shifter paddles that provide a reliable, consistent action. There’s no flex in normal use, and everything feels securely put together.
The rear housing is plastic, as are the encoder and button surrounds. While this doesn’t affect performance, it does slightly detract from the in-hand feel compared to more premium alternatives. The checkered plastic front texture adds visual interest, but its aesthetic won’t be for everyone.
Grips are also on the thinner side, which some will like, but for me they lack the premium comfort of thicker grips.
Overall, it’s a well-constructed wheel that makes smart use of materials to keep cost and weight down. It’s not trying to be ultra-premium, but it absolutely holds its own in this price range.
Conclusion
The VRS R295 is a well-rounded, thoughtfully executed wheel that offers solid functionality, excellent SimHub integration, and a clean layout that works well in practice. It’s fairly priced for what it delivers — the issue isn’t so much with the product itself, but with how much choice there is around it.
With VRS’s own Formula wheel and competitors like the Simagic GT Neo offering different strengths at similar prices, the R295 doesn’t stand out as a clear winner — at least not yet. For now, it’s suited to users already invested in the VRS ecosystem, where it integrates seamlessly via the quick release system. Once the standalone USB hub is released, the story could shift. But at the time of this review, the R295 is a good wheel with plenty of thoughtful details — just one that’s surrounded by strong alternatives.
If your priority is ultra-premium build quality, the VRS Formula wheel may still be the better buy. If you’re after functionality and third-party compatibility, the Simagic GT Neo is absolutely worth considering. But if you’re already in the VRS ecosystem, don’t want another brand’s logo on your rig, or simply prefer the R295’s design and feature set, you won’t be disappointed — it’s a genuinely good wheel.
Sim RACING
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Overall Rating: 7.5/10
A solid performer with premium touches that will appeal beyond just GT7 drivers, though the higher price warrants more features and quality in certain areas.
Conclusion
The VRS R295 is a well-rounded, thoughtfully executed wheel that offers solid functionality, excellent SimHub integration, and a clean layout that works well in practice. It’s fairly priced for what it delivers — the issue isn’t so much with the product itself, but with how much choice there is around it.
With VRS’s own Formula wheel and competitors like the Simagic GT Neo offering different strengths at similar prices, the R295 doesn’t stand out as a clear winner — at least not yet. For now, it’s suited to users already invested in the VRS ecosystem, where it integrates seamlessly via the quick release system. Once the standalone USB hub is released, the story could shift. But at the time of this review, the R295 is a good wheel with plenty of thoughtful details — just one that’s surrounded by strong alternatives.
If your priority is ultra-premium build quality, the VRS Formula wheel may still be the better buy. If you’re after functionality and third-party compatibility, the Simagic GT Neo is absolutely worth considering. But if you’re already in the VRS ecosystem, don’t want another brand’s logo on your rig, or simply prefer the R295’s design and feature set, you won’t be disappointed — it’s a genuinely good wheel.
Pros
- Solid, rigid construction with 5mm aluminium faceplate
- Excellent SimHub integration with full-spectrum RGB lighting
- Dual thumb encoders are tactile, well-placed, and glove-friendly
- Cast aluminium paddle shifters
- Clean integration with VRS base via quick release
- Lightweight and responsive in use
Cons
- Currently no USB support for third-party wheelbases (hub in development)
- Grips are on the thinner side and lack premium comfort
- Plastic rotary encoders and back housing reduce perceived quality
- Checkered front surface won’t appeal to everyone
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